V-cs go for pension reforms but USS wants ‘stronger assurances’
Universities UK on collision course with unions, which warn reforms could cost members thousands of pounds annually in retirement

Universities UK on collision course with unions, which warn reforms could cost members thousands of pounds annually in retirement

In letter to vice-chancellors, Universities UK says it is ‘disappointed’ sector’s biggest pension fund will not conduct a review of controversial valuation

Union says vice-chancellors’ shake-up would leave staff thousands of pounds out of pocket annually, but universities say current benefits are unaffordable

Amid another round of strikes, the pension scheme chair’s assertion that changes are unavoidable cannot stand unchallenged, says Neil Davies

Consultation opens into the terms, scope and structure of the review, which aims to identify ‘meaningful and implementable’ changes

As more strikes loom, UCU believes fresh assessment of pension fund would show employers’ justification for cuts has ‘evaporated’

More than 1 million students on 68Â campuses to be affected, as union splits walkouts by dispute

Union warns that employers ‘have offered very little to dissuade members from voting for another round of industrial action’

Universities UK raises concern about influence of regulator on fund’s valuation, while indicating possible reforms to benefits

Ballot result comes days before UCU plans to poll its members on whether to take action over below inflation pay rises

‘Unaffordable’ contribution increases proposed by Universities Superannuation Scheme mean member benefits may be up for debate once more

Fund’s embrace of employer-led reforms averts massive hikes in contributions

Switch to aggregated voting means staff at 149 UK universities could walk out if union gets majority turnout and support

Barely half of campuses pass 50 per cent voting threshold required for walkouts to go ahead